Coco Gauff bounced from US Open by new world No.1 Elena Rybakina, who will face Aryna Sabalenka in final

Elena Rybakina defeats Coco Gauff to reach US Open final against Aryna Sabalenka

Activelifezero.com – Coco Gauff bounced from US Open contention after Elena Rybakina recovered from a set down to win their semifinal 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Rybakina will face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s championship match.

The victory ended Gauff’s 11-match winning streak in front of a capacity New York crowd and will send Rybakina to world No. 1 on Monday. The Russian-born player representing Kazakhstan showed resilience after a difficult opening set, delivering her best tennis when the semifinal was at its tightest.

Gauff makes a commanding start

Gauff began with authority, protecting her serve throughout the opening set without facing a break point. She gave up only four points behind her first serve, while Rybakina made 18 unforced errors as the American took the set 6-3.

With former first lady Michelle Obama among the spectators, the home crowd rallied behind Gauff. But Rybakina quickly changed the direction of the match, racing to a 4-1 lead in the second set with the power and precision that have helped lift her to the top of the rankings.

Gauff fought back to level the set at 4-4, raising hopes of another late surge. Rybakina steadied herself, though, winning the next two games to force a deciding set.

Rybakina closes out a tense semifinal

The deciding set remained even through six games before Rybakina won two in a row for a 5-3 advantage. Gauff broke back to reduce the deficit to 5-4 and celebrated with the Arthur Ashe crowd, but Rybakina responded immediately.

On the final point, Gauff sent an overhead long, confirming that Coco Gauff bounced from US Open hopes just short of the final. Rybakina’s ability to regain control after the break back proved decisive.

“I know you guys wanted Coco to win,” Rybakina said after the match.

Rybakina praised Gauff and described the difficulty of handling the American’s serve during a match that demanded patience and composure.

“Coco, she’s a great player. It’s always tough to play against her. Even if sometimes her first serve doesn’t go, the second one is so heavy,” Rybakina said. “Took a deep breath. Was trying to talk positive to myself and just told myself I need to fight and try to show good tennis.”

Sabalenka continues her title defense

Sabalenka advanced earlier Thursday with a 7-5, 6-2 victory over third-seeded Jessica Pegula. The Belarusian has now reached her fourth consecutive US Open final and remains on course for a third straight title in New York.

Sabalenka broke serve at the decisive moment of the first set to avoid a tiebreak, then established a 4-1 lead in the second. Pegula won the sixth game, but Sabalenka finished strongly when the American could not return a powerful forehand.

Her US Open winning streak stands at 19 matches. Sabalenka won the tournament in 2024 and 2025 after losing the 2023 final to Gauff. Another title would make her only the third woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open singles crowns, joining Serena Williams and Chris Evert.

What the US Open final means

Rybakina will chase the third grand slam title of her career, while Sabalenka will seek another milestone in her dominant run at Flushing Meadows. The final brings together two of the leading hard-court players in the women’s game.

For Gauff, the result means Coco Gauff bounced from US Open competition despite an impressive run and a strong opening set in the semifinal. Her comeback from 4-1 down in the second set showed why the New York crowd remained engaged until the final point.

US Open semifinal FAQ

Who will play in the women’s US Open final? Elena Rybakina will play Aryna Sabalenka for the 2026 women’s singles title.

What was the score in Rybakina’s semifinal win? Rybakina defeated Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Where was the match played? The semifinal took place at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

When does Rybakina become world No. 1? She is set to rise to the top ranking on Monday.